Gutter politics always prevails

I could not agree more with Songdej Praditsmanont’s observation on the Democrat Party’s treatment of PM Yingluck Shinawatra over the “hotel incident”. Like him, I also supported the Democrats, but I accepted the verdict of the people who wanted to see Pheu Thai take the helm of government. And in this regard I have high hopes, because of the overwhelming support the prime minister and her party enjoy, that she will put Thailand back on the road of not only reconciliation but also harmony of the kind that will last.

However, as a seasoned political analyst Khun Songdej should understand that in Thailand gutter politics always prevails. Hitting below the belt is the rule and not the exception. Sadly, sensationalism has become a part of the Thai culture. 

The Democrats’ three stooges on the “Lightning Rod” programme have been dubbed “gays” who cheat on each other’s wife even though one is not married, and those who are do not appear to be gay at all. 

Despite this label pinned on them, the three stooges go on with their business as if nothing happened and they couldn’t care less.

Being the head of government is not the same as being an ordinary politician. Yingluck has so far endured tirades with an admirable courage, but what boggles the minds of most people is the fact that she still prefers to let others speak on her behalf when only she knows what really happened at the hotel. 

I think the public would understand and even forgive her even if what she has to say may not be far from the rumours being spread. After all, honesty is the best policy, and sometimes some wrongs can be righted by being honest about them.

In this context, Yingluck would do well to remember that “some things, however, are true no matter how hard you might try to block them out, and a lie is always a lie, no matter how prettily told. Some doors, once they’re opened, can never be closed again, just as some trust, once it’s been lost, can never be won back”. (Alice Hoffman.)

Prachyadavi Tavedikul

Bangkok